BMW M3 vs Volvo S60
BMW M3
BMW’s high-performance saloon.
Volvo S60
Volvo’s premium compact executive saloon.
BMW M3
Pick the M3 for a powerful, versatile high-performance saloon with the S58 and a choice of manual or xDrive.
Volvo S60
Pick the S60 for a safe, understated premium saloon that puts comfort and calm ahead of sportiness — with a smooth B5 or punchy T8.
Performance
M3 Competition · Petrol vs B5 2.0 250 · Petrol
| BMW M3 | Volvo S60 | |
|---|---|---|
| Power |
510 hp
Winner
|
250 hp
|
| Torque |
650 Nm
Winner
|
350 Nm
|
| 0–100 km/h |
3,9 s
Winner
|
6,5 s
|
| Top speed |
250 km/h
Winner
|
180 km/h
|
| Power-to-weight |
286,5 hp/t
Winner
|
148,8 hp/t
|
| CO₂ emissions (WLTP) |
230 g/km
|
150 g/km
Winner
|
| Consumption (WLTP) |
10,5 L/100km
|
6,5 L/100km
Winner
|
Dimensions & space
| BMW M3 | Volvo S60 | |
|---|---|---|
| Boot |
480 L
Winner
|
442 L
|
| Boot (seats folded) |
1.200 L
|
—
|
| Wheelbase |
2,86 m
|
2,87 m
Winner
|
| Length |
4,79 m
|
4,76 m
|
| Width |
1,90 m
|
1,85 m
|
| Height |
1,43 m
|
1,43 m
|
| Seats |
5
|
5
|
Powertrain & tech
| BMW M3 | Volvo S60 | |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | CLAR (G80, shared with the 3 Series) | SPA (shared with the V60) |
| Drive | Rear-wheel drive · All-wheel drive | Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive |
| Engine family | S58 3.0 twin-turbo petrol | 2.0 T5/T6 petrol · 2.0 B4/B5 mild-hybrid · T8 plug-in hybrid |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol · Plug-in hybrid |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual · 8-speed automatic (ZF) | 8-speed Geartronic automatic |
| Euro standard | Euro 6d | Euro 6d |
| LEZ access | Euro 6d petrol allowed in the LEZ (Brussels/Antwerp/Ghent) | Euro 6 petrol and the T8 plug-in hybrid allowed in the LEZ |
Reliability & watch-outs
Known issues
- Cooling-system plastics and electric water pump
- Oil-filter housing / valve-cover gasket seepage
- Carbon buildup on intake valves (direct injection)
- Infotainment needs updates and can glitch
- 12V battery can drain when parked long
- Have the hybrid system (T8) checked regularly
Pros
- Powerful, free-revving S58 twin-turbo
- Versatile: usable saloon with M performance
- Choice of manual, automatic and xDrive
- Premium positioning focused on safety and comfort
- Quiet, refined cabin
- Smooth mild-hybrids and a punchy T8 PHEV
Cons
- Firm ride, especially in sportier settings
- Controversial vertical grille
- Not a sporty driver’s car
- Average rear legroom for the class
- Infotainment takes getting used to
Driving experience
BMW M3
—
Volvo S60
As a model line, the S60 is first and foremost a comfortable, hushed saloon. The steering is light and precise, the suspension soaks up imperfections well and motorway refinement is impressively quiet. Mild-hybrids respond smoothly and the T8 plug-in hybrid covers short trips near-silently on electric power. It is not built for corner-chasing, but drives in a safe, predictable way. Choose smaller wheels for the best comfort; larger rims firm the ride up.
Compare specific generations
Belgian taxes & LEZ
